Phillies fall short after Cinderella story postseason
After consistent mediocrity for the past decade, the Philadelphia Phillies finally made it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011, going all the way to the World Series. Though they lost to Houston in 6 games in the Fall Classic, the Phillies still had a phantastic season that far exceeded their expectations. Before the 2022 season, FanGraphs projected their regular season record at 82-80, slightly worse than where they actually finished at 87-75, but still third place in the NL East behind the Braves and Mets.
Postseason hopes were bleak after a 22-29 start to the season and the firing of manager Joe Girardi on June 3, when FanGraphs’ projections gave them a measly 2.4% chance of making the World Series. However, the hiring of Rob Thomson to replace Girardi clearly reinvigorated the Phillies clubhouse, as they played far better with Thomson at the helm. Rhys Hoskins said of his manager, “He takes a moment and doesn’t make it so big. He makes us smile, he makes us laugh,” and Bryce Harper was seen wearing a “I ride with Philly Bob” T-shirt during batting practice ahead of an August game. The players clearly appreciated their new manager, and the chemistry in the clubhouse was apparent during their electric postseason play.
Entering the playoffs as a Wild Card team, the Phillies swept the Cardinals in two games, including an epic Game 1 comeback where they scored 6 runs in the 9th inning. In the NLDS against the juggernaut Atlanta Braves, the Phils raked their way to a 3-1 series victory. Aside from being shut out in Game 2, after 6 scoreless innings from Kyle Wright, the Phillies scored 7, 9, and 8 runs in games 1, 3, and 4. In the NLCS versus the Padres, slugging from Harper, Hoskins, and Schwarber and great pitching from Zack Wheeler and the bullpen led to a 4-1 series victory, though most of the games were close. Bryce “The Chosen One” Harper’s electric Game 5 go-ahead homer sent them to the world series.
The Phillies’ Cinderella story postseason looked like it would continue when they went up 2-1 in the World Series after teeing off on (a probably pitch-tipping) Lance McCullers Jr. for 5 home runs in Game 3. However, they went on to lose the next 3 games and the World Series as they were outmatched by the talented Houston Astros roster, especially notable performers Jeremy Peña (WS MVP), Alex Bregman, and Framber Valdez. Despite failing to finish the job, the Phillies still had a great season and heightened their expectations for next season.
Season Grade: A
Regular Season MVP: JT Realmuto (Posted an .820 OPS and won a gold glove at catcher, lead the team with 6.5 WAR)
Postseason MVP: Bryce Harper (1.160 Postseason OPS, 6 homers)
Prominent Free Agents after 2022 season: Noah Syndergaard, Jean Segura, relievers Corey Knebel, Brad Hand, and David Robertson